[Bananafish] Wilkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome...

[James Rovira]

Interesting question, Terry...my background and beliefs are Christian,
but I largely see either, yeah, hinduism or buddhism behind Salinger's
work, with nods toward Christianity where it touches with these other
traditions (say, compassion, the sermon on the mount, etc.).  There
are probably more Jewish influences there than I recognize.  Been
reading quite a bit of Kierkegaard the last two years and I see very
much why Salinger would like him--the final stage in existential
development in Kierkegaard's Concluding Unscientific Postscript
involves a "crucifixion of the intellect," something very appealing to
someone concerned about apple eaters...

Jim R